Another Big Wave of NHL Rookies Coming

Because of the large number of rookies entering the league last season after the lockout year (2 years worth) it caused a log jam and some of those who would've naturally entered the NHL in 05/06 had to be sent back to the minors (or where ever) for another year of preperation. Thus the league this year will most likely be seeing another large influx of young puck talent.

Last season, the NHL's rookie class was arguably the best ever, featuring an impressive combination of toptier talent and tremendous depth. From forwards Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin to defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Andrej Meszaros to goaltenders Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Ward, rookies stole the show from start to finish

Of course, this plethora of stellar rookies arriving all at once was due in part to the 2004–05 lockout, which kept the league shuttered for an entire season. Essentially, two years' worth of rookies crowded into one freshman class, including Crosby and Ovechkin, two of the NHL's most highly touted prospects of all time. There were no fewer than 10 rookies who would have been worthy of Calder Trophy consideration in any other season [...]

With so many talented rookies crowding the playing surface in 2005–06, there were a number of excellent prospects who were sent down for another year of seasoning. So it's quite possible that this year's freshman class will be nearly as impactful as last year's.

Here's a look at one such rookie profiled in the above article that could be making an impact in the NHL this year after the extra year of "seasoning"...

ALEXANDER RADULOV of the Nashville Predators


With so much hockey talent having been blocked from entering the NHL because of the lockout year, this resulting wave of young players now coming in I think could very well further help the NHL successfully enter it's new era.